Assassin’s Code is a Welcome Addition to the Joe Ledger Novels

In ASSASSIN’S CODE, the fourth book in New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger series, Joe Ledger and the DMS go on a relentless chase to stop an ancient order of killers from plunging the entire world into Holy War.

When Joe Ledger and Echo Team rescue a group of American college kids held hostage in Iran, the Iranian government then asks them to help find six nuclear bombs planted in the Mideast oil fields. These stolen WMDs will lead Joe and Echo Team into hidden vaults of forbidden knowledge, mass-murder, betrayal, and a brotherhood of genetically-engineered killers with a thirst for blood. Accompanied by the beautiful assassin called Violin, Joe follows a series of clues to find the Book of Shadows, which contains a horrifying truth that threatens to shatter his entire worldview. They say the truth will set you free…not this time. The secrets of the Assassin’s Code will set the world ablaze. (Summary from www.amazon.com)

ASSASSIN’S CODE is the fourth book in the Joe Ledger series. Ledger and Echo team have faced off against terrorists with zombies, genetically modified supersoldiers, the Seven Kings of the Apocalypse, and now, against vampires with nukes. These aren’t sparkly vampires. These aren’t even the romantic, frilly clothes wearing bloodsuckers of Victorian times. These vampires don’t even have two cute little fangs. These vampires are another species of humanity. They have a mouthful of jagged teeth which they use to tear the throat out of their victims. The kicker? They are enslaved and working as assassins for a secret branch of the Catholic church.

Maberry crafts an intriguing tale of horror, violence, fractured psyches, and mystery. It takes a special type of mindset to put together a tale that scientifically explains vampirism, details the entire process of cyphertexts, and creates enough chaos so that the origin of risk cannot be determined. There are so many different factions involved with this plot that Ledger and the DMS (Department of Military Science) are at a loss as to where the true risk is originating. Is this the return of the Seven Kings or a separate plot emanating from the traitor Hugo Vox?

It’s not often that I read a book to the end, turn the final page, and then open the front page to start the book over again. I had to reread it so I could catch anything I might have missed the first time around. There is so much detail and well thought out plot that this book deserves a reread. If you haven’t picked up any of Jonathan Maberry’s work, you should.

Maberry’s attempt at explaining the origin of vampires, their breeding program, and humanity’s twisted use for the supernatural beings is truthfully skillfully wrought. He also has done his research on split personality disorders and fanaticism. Even from the perspective of the effects of shock on man and dog, Maberry has looked at every angel that could influence his characters.

I highly recommend Maberry’s work. Even if you are not a horror fan, you will find something to enjoy in his stories. The intrigue, interaction between the good and bad, and the military aspects make his Joe Ledger series stand out. For more information on Maberry and his books, you can check out his website.

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